Date of Birth: March 20, 1995
Hometown: Chicago, Illinois
Nationality: American
Sport: Track and field: Hurdles
Height: 5’7”
One of the fastest 400 m hurdlers in history, Shamier Little comes from an athletic family: Both of her parents competed at the collegiate level, with her father playing football as a cornerback and her mother finding success as a high jumper and a point guard in basketball, at one point even trying out for the pros.
Although born in Louisville, Kentucky, Little was raised by her mother in the South Side of Chicago, where she got her start in track and field at the age of 8. She competed in national track competitions the next year and attended several local track meets. While in high school, Little set a youth record for the 100 m hurdle, as well as both the 200 m and 400 m dash, and competed both nationally and internationally by the age of 18.
Little flourished in college, where she studied Agricultural Leadership and minored in sociology. She won several national and international competitions for the 400 m hurdles, competing as well in 4 × 400 m relays — an event she would later take first place in on the global sporting stage in 2024.
She turned pro in 2016 and joined the Brand with the 3-Stripes that same year; it was clear that Shamier Little and adidas had a shared belief in perseverance, and that she belonged in the company of other elite athletes. In 2021, Little joined the ranks of the greatest 400 m hurdlers, finishing in 52.39 seconds that year to become one of the fastest women of all-time. Two years later, she also completed the 600 m dash in 1:24.65 to land among the fastest-ever runners in that distance.
As far as what she considers the best adidas running shoes, she relies on the spikes of the Adizero Finesse. Outside of sport, Little is a fan of reggae music and dancing, as well as Caribbean food and culture.
KICKSTART YOUR TRAINING WITH ADIDAS RUNNING
Looking to improve your running and take on more serious challenges? The Brand with the 3-Stripes has several helpful guides; like Shamier Little, adidas is always up for lending helpful advice to aspiring runners.
For starters, read our in-depth piece on how to choose running shoes; every runner is different, and we’ve outlined a curated selection for runners of every pronation and every distance. Next, we’ve written a detailed editorial on learning how to breathe while running — which can dramatically improve your performance and provide peace of mind. Finally, take a look at the interval training guide we’ve prepared; it can help you stay motivated and condition you for intense levels of competition.
Whether it’s shoes, apparel, accessories or guides, adidas Running has resources for every runner — from those lacing up for the very first time to elite competitors on the grandest stage.